TDK upgrades programming tool for Hall-effect sensors

By Warren Miller, contributing writer

TDK Corp. recently announced the availability of a new programming tool — the Magnetic Sensor Programmer (MSP) V1.0 — for its existing line of Hall-effect sensors. The MSP V1.0 is the optimal tool for programming TDK-Micronas’ HAL 18xy, HAL/R 24xy, HAL28xy, and HAL/R/C 37xy sensors — as well as angular sensors still in development — that are chiefly implemented in automotive applications for position detection or angle measurement.

The Magnetic Sensor Programmer (MSP) V1.0 replaces the APB 1.5 and joins the existing programmer line that includes the USB-Programming Kit V1.01 and the HAL APB V5.1.

Compared to previous iterations of TDK’s sensor programmers, the MSP V1.0 can drive higher currents and manage Micronas’ newest sensors with the PSI5 output. The programmer is accompanied by TDK software for interfacing with a PC, allowing designers to utilize more case-specific PC software for their application’s requirements.

Each family of Hall-effect sensors is paired with its own software including a graphical user interface based on LabView for easier programming. MSP V1.0 is backwardly compatible with all previous versions of TDK programming software, making it simple for developers to upgrade.

TDK-Micronas’ Hall-effect sensors are implemented in a variety of automotive environments such as accelerator pedals, transmission gear assemblies, exhaust gas recirculation, and steering-angle applications. They are also found in industrial electronics applications such as joysticks and rocker switches and are commonly used for current and position measurement.

The MSP V1.0 is currently available for purchase at www.micronas.com/sales .

Programming software for each of TDK-Micronas’ sensor families is available for free. After registration, the software can be downloaded at the company’s online service portal at service.micronas.com .